GradingAug 09, 2023
IGI Names New Director of Operations, Business DevelopmentBrought to you by
Did You Know? The Vital Role of IGI: The International Gemological Institute
In a world where the sparkle of a gemstone is only as brilliant as the trust behind it, IGI's purpose is truly invaluable.
Brought To You By The International Gemological Institute (IGI)
Over the past 10 years the diamond and jewelry industry has evolved at a dizzying pace. During that time IGI has played a pivotal role in diamond authentication, reporting, education, and advocacy for both professionals and consumers. Today, more than ever, it’s critical to understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats present in our industry. To that end IGI has proactively launched initiatives to serve every sector from mine to market. This article explores IGI's purpose, the broader role of grading laboratories in the jewelry industry, and how IGI is elevating this sparkling sector.
Role #1. Authentication First: A Shield for Luxury Brands and Consumers
Did you know that nearly all the world’s luxury brands have relied on IGI for decades, entrusting the institute with the screening of millions of carats of melee, to ensure the pieces they sell contain no mixed goods? In an industry where trust is paramount, IGI's protection of our most celebrated brands is invaluable. The shield of protection IGI provides is also available to every retailer, as well as consumers buying on the secondary market, offering a level of security that is indispensable in the world of high-value jewelry. There is no substitute for trust and certainty. From the most prestigious boutiques on Fifth Avenue to consumers in Middle America, IGI’s commitment to accuracy and transparency is a linchpin that elevates the jewelry industry as a whole.
Role #2. Bulletproof Reporting: Transparency and Assurance
One of IGI's primary services is unbiased reporting. This begins with affordable screening of loose melee - sorted, separated, and sealed by category. It continues with a variety of loose diamond and gemstone reports. However, in today’s diverse market the most useful service IGI offers may be grading reports for finished jewelry. In this age of mixing natural and lab grown stones, along with color in creative pieces, a one-page IGI jewelry report detailing every aspect of the piece is a no-brainer. Designers and retailers even co-brand with IGI, placing their logo on the document, and can request an appraised replacement value for insurance purposes. Whether describing standard sapphires or exotic materials from bixbite to zoisite, a single ironclad document from IGI raises consumer confidence when buying jewelry and elevates trust in our industry. Furthermore, IGI’s appraisals are accepted by all major insurance companies, providing peace of mind that a consumer’s precious possessions are adequately insured. The unique possibility of co-branding with IGI enhances the credibility and value of the appraisal process, making it a win-win for all stakeholders.
Role #3. Education and Awareness: Stay informed!
In our rapidly changing sector, getting the latest information is essential. IGI is at the forefront of education and awareness campaigns to keep professionals up to date on the newest developments and educate consumers on the importance of authenticity and verification. If you are not subscribed to IGI’s GemNews newsletter and the IGI GemBlog, you can sign up for weekly information to your inbox that will keep you up to speed. The Institute is constantly disseminating both basic knowledge and the latest breaking news over those channels, social media, press releases, webinars, seminars, and online and in-person courses worldwide. By providing a platform for learning and discussion, IGI empowers industry professionals to make informed decisions. And by streaming knowledge and promoting transparency, IGI contributes to the growth of a more informed and trusting consumer base.
Role #4. Industry Advocacy: Supporting all compass points.
In addition to unbiased independent reporting, IGI has stood for nearly a half-century as a staunch advocate for all stakeholders in the jewelry industry. Whether you are operating a small store in a strip mall, a luxury boutique on Fifth Avenue, a family-owned business or an online sales platform IGI advocates for your proposition and your place in our industry. From the first roots in Antwerp’s famed diamond district in 1975, to a seat on the World Diamond Council and 30 IGI locations operating around the world today, IGI champions the cause of all entities who responsibly sell gemstones and jewelry. As the first institute to hold ISO accreditation in the grading of both natural and lab grown diamonds, the Institute's commitment to authenticity, transparency, and education benefits all sellers in our industry and their specific sales propositions.
Conclusion
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) plays a pivotal role in the jewelry industry by upholding the values of authenticity, transparent reporting, education, and support. As the guardian of trust, IGI ensures that luxury brands, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers can navigate the jewelry market with confidence. With comprehensive reporting, commitment to education, and advocacy for all stakeholders, IGI is an industry cornerstone, elevating fellow professionals to new heights of credibility and integrity.
In a world where the sparkle of a gemstone is only as brilliant as the trust behind it, IGI's purpose and contributions are truly invaluable.
More on Grading
The Latest
EditorsNov 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: An MVP’s Sapphire Tennis Necklace At the 2025 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto sported a custom necklace made by California retailer Happy Jewelers.
IndependentsNov 07, 2025
Foundrae’s New Palm Beach Location Is a ‘Golden Solarium’The brand’s seventh location combines Foundrae’s symbolic vocabulary with motifs from Florida’s natural surroundings.
FinancialsNov 07, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s H1 Sales Up 8%The retailer also shared an update on the impact of tariffs on watch customers.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
Pink Tourmaline Bracelet, Emerald Suite Take Top Spectrum Honors Pink and purple stones were popular in the AGTA’s design competition this year, as were cameos and ocean themes.
Weekly QuizNov 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Hosts Raffle Supporting Food RescueAll proceeds from the G. St x Jewel Boxing raffle will go to City Harvest, which works to end hunger in New York City.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Cornell’s Jewelers Names New PresidentCourtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
De Beers’ Production, Sales Increase in Q3 De Beers also announced more changes in its upper ranks ahead of parent company Anglo American’s pending sale of the company.
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction DebutKindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case WednesdayAhead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt StullerStuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold? Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November BirthdaysCitrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort LauderdaleThe family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board ChairThe trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDGThe “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
